Apply For A Business License
Manchester, New Hampshire

Will I need a business license to operate my business in Manchester, New Hampshire?

Yes. If your business activity is not one of the noted business-specific licenses, then it is still recommended that you call the City of Manchester Business Licensing and Enforcement Division to verify if you will need a license. This is highly suggested because the required business list can be updated at any time. The licenses that are currently available are:

Liquor and Beer License

Cigarette Sales License

Apartment License

Garage Sales Permit

Video Game License

Amusement Device and Pool Table License

Live Entertainment License

Auto Dealer License

Pawnbroker License

Retail Business District License

Butchers License

Petty Grocers License

Huckster License

Peddler License

Hawker License

Common Victualers License

Dealers in and keepers of shops for the purchase, sale, or barter of junk, old metals, or secondhand articles

Pawnbrokers License

Taxicab License

Companies engaged in towing motor vehicles without the consent or authorization of the owner or operator

Employment Office License

Establishments engaged in Sunday activities License

Circus License

Carnival License

Performers and Exhibitors License

Arcades License

Dance Hall License: dance halls or entertainment places of assembly

Transient or itinerant photographers

Fair License

All of these licenses can be found at Manchester City Clerk, please understand that this list is subject to change at any time. To verify, please contact the City of Manchester City Clerk at (603) 624-6348.

City of Manchester
Office of the City Clerk
Business Licensing and Enforcement Division
One City Hall Plaza
Manchester, NH 03101

What has to be done to have a business in Manchester?

All those who desire to open a business in Manchester, New Hampshire will need to find out if they will be required by the City of Manchester to obtain a business license. In addition, you may be obligated to obtain several other permits or licenses that will need to be in place in order to start your business endeavor. Each and every business will need to speak to a representative of the City of Manchester about their business license. You can request an application in person at:

City of Manchester
Office of the City Clerk
Business Licensing and Enforcement Division
One City Hall Plaza
Manchester, NH 03101

You can also print off the business license applications from the website Manchester Business License. Once you have completed your applications and questionnaires, you should bring them in person to City Hall to receive planning approval. You should check with the Planning and Community Development Department before entering into any real estate contracts to determine whether your business is approved for the zone in which you wish to conduct business. After you obtain building and planning approval, you will bring your applications and questionnaires to City Hall where you will pay applicable fees and or receive more information for additional licenses, permits, and approvals that may be a requirement for your type of business.

Is there general information needed for a Manchester business license application?

Yes, the business license applications are unique. One to another, however, the general information that will be needed remains very much the same:

Your name

Your business name

Your mailing address

The physical address of your business

Business mailing address (if different from physical address) and contact numbers, fax, and email

Ownership information: a partnership, sole proprietor, an LLC, or part of a larger corporation

Note: It is important to ensure that every space is completed. If the application is incomplete, the business license will be rejected until you can remit an accurate complete copy.

Must I pay for my Manchester business license?

Yes. For an evaluation of what your projected fees will be, please contact the City of Manchester Business Licensing and Enforcement Division at (603) 624-6348. Many factors are assessed for the total fee you will need to pay. As such, the City of Manchester requests that you call them directly so that you will have accurate information. This is why most of the fees are not available to view on the city’s webpage.

What is the duration that my Manchester business license will be valid?

Business licenses are typically valid between 6 months to 1 year, although there are a few that are valid longer than a year.

Do you need a business license if your business is residentially-based in Manchester?

Everyone who wishes to have a home business must speak to a Manchester representative (603- 624-6348) to determine if they will need one, although many home-based businesses don’t require a license. These applications are found at Manchester Business License. In addition to applying for whichever business license you might need (depending on what you are told by the City of Manchester), you also need to remit your home property location information to the Planning and Community Development Department. The required application can be obtained at:

City of Manchester
Planning and Community Development
One City Hall Plaza
Manchester, NH 03101

This will be completed by anyone wishing to host their business from home. You will also be required to complete information for the Fire Department.

If I need more information, who should I contact?

Contact the City of Manchester Business Licensing and Enforcement Division for more information or to discuss any questions regarding business licenses. They can be reached via telephone at (603) 624-6348. Alternately, you may want to visit them in person at:

City of Manchester
Planning and Community Development
One City Hall Plaza
Manchester, NH 03101

Also, you may explore theManchester Business License website for more information. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advise. The information on this site should not be relied upon as an official source of information and should be independently verified.